Dubai’s Damac Plans Mega Shopping Strip In AKOYA Development

Dubai-based luxury property developer Damac has announced the launch of AKOYA Drive, a 1.3km long shopping strip within its AKOYA development.

The strip, longer than 13 football pitches end to end, will include high-end food and beverage outlets, retail shopping and family entertainment offerings such as an outdoor ice-skating rink, cinema screen and interactive kids play area.

It will be similar in length to ‘The Walk’ at Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) and resemble Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and The Croisette or Champs Elysees in Paris, Damac said in a statement.

“AKOYA Drive is what everyone in Dubai has been waiting for,” said Niall McLoughlin, SVP, Damac.

“We expect AKOYA Drive to be the new place to meet friends, entertain and get away from it all. This new haute spot with shopping, dining and entertainment will provide a real central point for those living in Arabian Ranches, through Motor City, Jumeirah Village and the surrounding areas.”

More than 80,000 people will live within 16 km of AKOYA Drive by the time is completed, the company said.

AKOYA is a 42 million square foot golf community off Umm Suqeim Road in Dubai and includes mansions, villas, apartments, a retail centre and 4.3 million sq ft of open parkland. It also features the Trump International Golf Course, a 7,205-yard, par 71, 18-hole championship-standard golf course.

Damac has been one of the most active developers in Dubai in recent months, launching several new projects.

The company has delivered almost 10,000 units to date and has a development portfolio of over 25,000 units at various stages of progress and planning as of March 31, 2014.